Knockdown display rack

ABSTRACT

A knockdown display rack for displaying merchandise which consists of an enlarged weighted base having an upstanding support post upon which is rotatably mounted a framework or cage upon which a series of merchandise-receiving receptacles or pockets are mounted in tiers. The framework or cage is generally square in outline so as to pivotally mount a series of four receptacles at each level or tier. The display rack is designed to be manufactured as a knocked down unit comprising several components which may be packaged, stored and shipped in a compact arrangement, which may be assembled by an unskilled person without the use of special tools, and which during assembly interlock with one another to provide a rack which is sturdy and does not inadvertently collapse when subjected to normal rough handling by the customers in a retail outlet. In particular, the present invention provides a rack in which the display pockets include connecting elements which are designed to be distorted automatically into interlocking relationship during the normal assembly operation.

United States Patent [1 1 Cimino 111] 3,921,813 1 Nov. 25, 1975 1KNOCKDOWN DISPLAY RACK [75] Inventor: Alfonse Ci'mino, Livingston, NJ.

[73] Assignee: Butler Industries, Inc., Newark, NJ.

[22] Filed: Nov. 8, 1974 21 Appl. No: 521,973

[52] U.S.Cl. 21l/13l;21l/l63;211/181 [51] Int. Cl? A47F 5/14 [58] Fieldof Search 211/78, 126, 128, 129,

Primary ExaminerRoy D. Frazier Assistant ExaminerRobert A. l-laferAttorney, Agent, or Firm-Dorfman, l-lerrell and Skillman [57] ABSTRACT Aknockdown display rack for displaying merchandise which consists of anenlarged weighted base having an upstanding support post upon which isrotatably mounted a framework or cage upon which a series ofmerchandise-receiving receptacles or pockets are mounted in tiers. Theframework or cage is generally square in outline so as to pivotallymount a series of four receptacles at each level or tier. The displayrack is designed to be manufactured as a knocked down unit comprisingseveral components which may be packaged, stored and shipped in acompact arrangement, which may be assembled by an unskilled personwithout the use of special tools, and which during assembly interlockwith one another to provide a rack which is sturdy and does notinadvertently collapse when subjected to normal rough handling by thecustomers in a retail outlet. In particular, the present inventionprovides a rack in which the display pockets include connecting elementswhich are designed to be distorted automatically into interlockingrelationship during the normal assembly operation.

6 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures Sheet 1 of 2 3,921,813

US. Patent Nov. 25, 1975 U.S. Patant Nov. 25, 1975 Sheet20f2 3,921,813

KNOCKDOWN DISPLAY RACK The present invention relates to display racksfor displaying merchandise in retail outlets.

The invention is particularly applicable to display racks for use andself-service outlets which permit display of a large variety ofsimilarly packaged items for selection by the purchaser, each item beingretained in an individual pocket or receptacle with identical items sothat when the purchaser makes a selection from among the itemsdisplayed, he may simply carry the selected item with him from thedisplay.

In order to be effective, display racks of this character must bereadily accessible to the customers in the store and should be easilyrotated by the customer to permit inspections of the full range of itemswhich are displayed. Thus, the racks should be relatively sturdy and notsubject to collapse or disassembly when jostled by the customers or whenoperated by the customer in a careless fashion.

Display equipment which is sufficiently sturdy to withstand the rigorsof customer abuse are relatively expensive not only because of the addedexpense of providing sufficient sturdiness to the structure, but also byreason of the fact that the merchandise-receiving receptacles or pocketsin such permanent structures must be adjustable to accommodate articlesof different sizes and shapes.

The present invention provides a rack structure which is highlyeconomical to manufacture and distribute to the retail outlet, and whichmay be designed to accommodate a particular item without the necessityfor providing adjustments or the like.

Another object of the invention is to provide a relatively inexpensivedisplay rack formed of wires and tubular members which has rigidity tosupport and display a satisfactory stock of merchandise in an attractivemanner.

All of the objects of the invention are more fully set forth hereinafterwith reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a view in side elevation of the base, support post and rotaryframework of an assembled display rack, with a singlemerchandise-receiving receptacle in place in the uppermost tier thereof;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the rack shown in FIG. 1, with the remainingreceptacles of the first tier shown in broken lines;

FIG. 3 is an exploded fragmentary persepctive view of the rack withportions broken away;

FIG. 4 is a view in side elevation of the merchandisereceivingreceptable shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 with the support structure shown inbroken lines; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the receptacle as shown in FIG. 4.

Referring now to the drawing, the display rack of the present inventioncomprisesa weighted base 11 having an upstanding socket 12 whichterminates at its upper end in a bearing flange 13. The socket 12 istubular form and is adapted to receive therein a support post 16, whichin the present instance, is likewise tubular in form and is adpated totelescopically engage within the socket 12. The support post 16 isformed in a series of sections, in the present instance. two sections160 and 16b which are fitted together at approximately the midpoint ofthe support post by a telescoping joint provided by a section of reduceddiameter 160 at the lower end of the section 16b, the section 160fitting neatly within the upper end of the portion 16a (see FIG. 3).

The support post 16 rotatably supports a framework or cage 21, which,like the post 16 is formed into lower and upper sections 21a and 21brespectively. The framework or cage provides at each level a horizontalsupport bar 22 andinterlock bar 23 underlying the support bar 22 closelyadjacent and parallel thereto. The bars 22 and 23 are mounted invertically spaced relation by vertical spacer rods 24 extending the fulllength of each frame section. As shown in FIG. 3, each rod 24 has a mainvertical run 27. The run 27 of the lower section 21a terminates at itsupper end in an offset connecting part 37 and the run 27 of the uppersection 2111 terminates at its lower end in a ferrule 36 which providesa telescoping joint between the sections.

As shown in FIG. 2, the support bars are formed into square outlines andare mounted, in the present instance, at six levels to support six tiersof merchandisereceiving receptacles 31. As shown in FIG. 2, thereceptacles 31 aer mounted in nested relation about the four sidesprovided by the support bars. The receptacles 31 are suspended forpivotal movement upon the support bar 22, and means is provided to limitthe downward pivotal movement. To this end, the vertical spacer rod 24is provided with a stop leg 25 which is outwardly offset from the mainvertical run 27 by horizontal arms 26,26. At the lower end of the lowerframe 21a, the downward displacement of the receptacle 31 is limited bya U-shaped stop element 29 which is suspended from the lowermost supportbar 22 to hang below the framework and limit the downward pivotalmovement of the lowermost receptacle. The receptacles 31 at each tierare therefore pivotally suspended from the support bars in a fashion topermit display of the merchandise in the receptacles in a convenient andattractive manner. r

The support framework or cage 21 is mounted on the tubular post 16 byannular bearing rings 32 positioned at spaced locations along the heightof the framework. for example by support struts 33 mounted intermediatethe support and interlock bars at selected locations along the height ofthe framework. The annular support rings 32 permit easy rotation of theframework 21 on the post 16. In order to facilitate rotation of theframework 21 on the post 16, an axial thrust bearing 34 is positionedbetween the lowermost support ring 32 and the support flange 13. Thethrust bearing 34 may be of conventional form and in the presentinstance, comprises ball bearings mounted to provide a vertical supportwhile facilitating rotation of the framework 21 on the base 11.

In accordance with the invention, the cage or framework 21 cooperateswith the receptacle 31 to provide an interlock between these elementsautomatically upon assembly of the receptacle 31 with the support bars22. To this end, the receptacle 31 is in the form of a wire baskethaving a peripheral rim 41 with a back run 42, declining side runs 43which terminate in dependingfront side segments 44, and a front piece 45extending thefull width of the basket; U-shaped supthis end, a centraldivider 48 is provided substantially halfway between the declining runs43 at the opposite sides of the basket. The divider 48 consists of awire similar to the wire forming the runs 43 and is substantiallyparallel thereto to form the limits of the pocket for receiving themerchandise 47. Thus, receptacle 31, through the medium of the support46, retains the merchandise 47 in place within the pocket. Additionalretainers 49 and 50 may be provided at the front and back of thereceiver basket 31, if necessary or desirable.

In accordance with the invention, a novel hanger arrangement providescooperation between the recepta cle 31 and the framework 21 whichautomatically interlocks the receptacle 31 with the framework 21 whenthe rack is assembled. To this end, the receptacle 31 includes inaddition to the support elements 41 and 46 described above, a hangerelement 52 in the form of a U-shaped bail with generally upright legs 53extending from a transverse stop run 54. At their upper end, the

upright legs 53 terminate in hooks 55 having a light for engagement withthe support rods 22. The diameter of the wire forming the hanger element52 is less than the spacing between the support rod 22 and the interlockrod 23 so that the free end portion of the hook 55 may engage betweenthe two rods 22 and 23. This spacing is also less then the length of thefree end portion. The material of the wire forming the hanger 52 iscapable of being bent by manual pressure so that when the hooks 55 areengaged with the rod 22 when the hook is in open position as shown inbroken lines in Flg. 4, the hook may be readily closed or clinched bysimply bearing down on the receptacle 31 so that the free end of thehook 55 is bent toward the run 53 to close the hook around the rod 22 asshown in full lines in FIG. 3, and provide an interlock between thereceptacle 31 and the cage 21 which precludes inadvertent disengagementof the receptacle from the cage when the rack is fully assembled.

The hanger 52 of the receptacle is designed to cooperate with the cage21 to insure proper functioning of the stop means. To this end, thelength of the legs 53 is selected so that when their hooks 55 areengaged with the rod 22 the stop run 54, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5,registers with the stop leg 25 to limit the downward displacement of thereceptacle 31 in pivotal movement on the support bar 22.

The present invention enables the production of a display rack withsubstantial manufacturing economies. By reason of the fact that the rackis composed of a plurality of individual components which may beassembled by the merchant when he erects the display rack, the units maybe stored and shipped in a compact arrangement prior to their use. Themerchandisereceiving receptacles 31 may be designed to accommodate agiven type and size of package without the requirement foradjustability. The inexpensive nature of the display rack of the presentinvention permits the rack to be manufactured individually for aparticular character of merchandise by individually designing thereceptacle baskets 31 as required. The base, support post and frameworkcage may be identical for a wide variety of merchandise therebyproviding further economies in the fabrication of the individualcomponents.

When and if it is desired to disassemble the rack, either for disposal,for storage or for substitution of receptacles designed for othermerchandise, the hangers may be disengaged by simply bending the hooksopen and removing the receptacles from the frame. The frame may beknocked down by disengaging the telescopic joints in the frame and thesupport post.

While a particular embodiment of the present invention has been hereinillustrated and described, it is not intended to limit the invention tosuch disclosure but changes and modifications may be made therein andthereto within the scope of the following claims.

I claim:

1. A display rack for merchandise comprising a base having an upstandingsupport post, a framework mounted on said post for rotation relative tosaid base. said framework comprising a series of support bars disposedhorizontally at a plurality of levels, each level including an interlockbar mounted in spaced parallel relation closely adjacent to said supportbar, and at least one merchandise-receiving receptacle mounted on saidsupport bar at each level, said merchandise-receiving receptaclecomprising a hanger with upright legs each leg having a bight portionand free end portion extending from said bight portion to form a hooksaid hooks engaging with the support bar at that level, said legs andhooks being formed of wire capable of being bent by manual pressure andof a diameter less than the spacing between said support bar and saidinterlock bar said spacing between each said support bar and saidinterlock bar being less than the length of said free end portion sothat the free end portion of said hook may be engaged therebetween andbent into closed or clinched position by pivotal displacement of saidreceptacle on said support bar.

2. A rack according to claim 1 wherein said hanger comprises a U-shapedelement having a transverse stop run extending between said legs attheir ends opposite said hooks. said framework including stop meansspaced downwardly from said support rod a distance corresponding to thelength of said hanger legs to engage said stop run and limit thedownward pivotal movement thereof.

3. A rack according to claim 2 wherein said support and interlock barsare mounted at a plurality of levels by means of a vertical spacer rodextending along the height of said framework, said rod including anoutwardly offset portion constituting said stop means for registry withsaid stop run.

4. A rack according to claim 3 wherein said support post issubstantially cylindrical in form and said frame is mounted for rotationon said support post by a plurality of vertically-spaced annular supportrings rigidly mounted on the frame and surrounding said post, said rackincluding an axial thrust bearing supported on said base and underlyingthe lowermost support ring of said frame to vertically support saidframe for rotary movement on said base coaxial with said post.

5. A structure according to claim 4 wherein said support and interlockrods are formed into a square outline at each level of said rack, andincluding four receptacles at each level, one on each side of thesquare, the width of said receptacles being substantially in excess ofthe width of the square outline, each of said receptacles projectingbeyond the square at one side of the receptacle and aligned with theside of the square at the other side of the receptacle so that thereceptacles are nested with each other at each level, the hanger foreach receptacle being positioned adjacent said other side thereof toengage with the support rod.

6. A structure according to claim 1 wherein said interlock rod ispositioned below said support rod, said hooks being positioned withtheir free ends lowermost, so that they may be clinched or closed bydownward pivotal movement of said receptacle.

1. A display rack for merchandise comprising a base having an upstandingsupport post, a framework mounted on said post for rotation relative tosaid base, said framework comprising a series of support bars disposedhorizontally at a plurality of levels, each level including an interlockbar mounted in spaced parallel relation closely adjacent to said supportbar, and at least one merchandise-receiving receptacle mounted on saidsupport bar at each level, said merchandisereceiving receptaclecomprising a hanger with upright legs each leg having a bight portionand free end portion extending from said bight portion to form a hooksaid hooks engaging with the support bar at that level, said legs andhooks being formed of wire capable of being bent by manual pressure andof a diameter less than the spacing between said support bar and saidinterlock bar said spacing between each said support bar and saidinterlock bar being less than the length of said free end portion sothat the free end portion of said hook may be engaged therebetween andbent into closed or clinched position by pivotal displacement of saidreceptacle on said support bar.
 2. A rack according to claim 1 whereinsaid hanger comprises a U-shaped element having a transverse stop runextending between said legs at their ends opposite said hooks, saidframework including stop means spaced downwardly from said support rod adistance corresponding to the length of said hanger legs to engage saidstop run and limit the downward pivotal movement thereof.
 3. A rackaccording to claim 2 wherein said support and interlock bars are mountedat a plurality of levels by means of a vertical spacer rod extendingalong the height of said framework, said rod including an outwardlyoffset portion constituting said stop means for registry with said stoprun.
 4. A rack according to claim 3 wherein said support post issubstantially cylindrical in form and said frame is mounted for rotationon said support post by a plurality of vertically-spaced annular supportrings rigidly mounted on the frame and surrounding said post, said rackincluding an axial thrust bearing supported on said base and underlyingthe lowermost support ring of said frame to vertically support saidframe for rotary movement on said base coaxial with said post.
 5. Astructure according to claim 4 wherein said support and interlock rodsare formed into a square outline at each level of said rack, andincluding four receptacles at each level, one on each side of thesquare, the width of said receptacles being substantially in excess ofthe width of the square outline, each of said receptacles projectingbeyond the square at one side of the receptacle and aligned with theside of the square at the other side of the receptacle so that thereceptacles are nested with each other at each level, the hanger foreach receptacle being positioned adjacent said other side thereof toengage with the support rod.
 6. A structure according to claim 1 whereinsaid interlock rod is positioned below said support rod, said hooksbeing positioned with their free ends lowermost, so that they may beclinched or closed by downward pivotal movement of said receptacle.